When I was little and heard the familiar jingle of the approaching ice cream truck, I could not contain my excitement for the orange and vanilla creamsicle popsicles. These were my mother's favorite and so were naturally mine as well. I recently remembered summer afternoons spent enjoying creamsicles, and a desire to recreate the sweet treat has been growing inside me ever since. So I did some research, and I'm going to give this recipe a whirl tonight. Orange juice concentrate is combined with vanilla ice cream and the mixture is frozen in popsicle molds. So easy, it's crazy! To join me in giving this recipe a try, read more

Do you like Pringles? How about dip-able cracker sticks? Have you ever envisioned the two things together? If you answered yes to all three, then you're in for a treat. Starting next Spring, Pringles will rollout a new concept called Pringles Stix. The baked wheat crackers will come in four flavors: Crunchy Wheat, Vanilla, Honey Butter and Pizza - they'll also only contain 90 calories per pack. To announce the arrival of the newest member of their family, Pringles has combined forces with Nintendo and will tour seven cities. The tour will include free samples as well as a sneak peek of Boogie - a new game for the Wii. Oh and if free snacks weren't enough to entice you out of your house, then perhaps the chance to win a Wii Game Kit might. One kit - which includes a Wii console, a Boogie game, an extra Wii remote and 2000 Wii Points - will be given away at each city on the tour (Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Jacksonville, Atlanta, Montgomery and Birmingham).

Personally, I'm feeling a little skeptical about these Pringles Stix. I have a special place in my belly for regular Pringles, but haven't been too impressed with their other lines.

Source: PR Newswire
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If you were wondering about the IQF (individually quick frozen) Bertolli meals on last week's Top Chef, then you're in luck. Keckler has tasted them all so you don't have to.

Speaking of Top Chef, are you reading Anthony Bourdain's guest blogs? - Television Without Pity and Bravo

For those of you who are in to Japanese pop-culture, you better rush out and order your very own Ultraman wine. The commemorative 40th anniversary bottle comes complete with matching glass. Limited to only 777 sets, each bottle will cost ¥9800 (that's about $83.25). Oh and they're only taking orders until September 28, so if you're interested in this futuristic merlot, you better act now!

Source: Plastic Bamboo and Alt Japan

• There's a big debate going on over raw milk. It's illegal in most states (although I can buy it here in California), but some folks say it's tastier and more nutritious. Plus 10 more meals you can make in 10 minutes. - New York Times



• Tomatoes are great for salads and sauces, but how about using tomatoes in dessert? Plus simple fruity granitas and a luscious Tres Leches cake. - San Francisco Chronicle
• Top Chef (and other Bravo reality shows) contestants and winners aren't necessarily guaranteed success. - BuzzSugar
• We mentioned it during travel week, but it's true, cook and learn vacations are definitely on the rise. - Chicago Tribune
• Can anybody tell me why I'm not at the annual American Cheese Society conference? Plus, would you have thought that beer would beat out wine in a pairing competition? - Boston Globe
• The all American grilled cheese is receiving a modern makeover. - Los Angeles Times
• Consumers are crazy for the mild, eco-friendly Tilapia, while chefs love to hate it. Why? Tilapia fish isn't very fishy. - Washington Post
• Want to learn more about goat cheese? Start by accepting that excellent goat cheese is more than a gourmet garnish. - Dallas Morning News
• In case you didn't get enough root beer earlier this week, here's a few more ideas for root beer desserts. - Minneapolis-St.Paul Star Tribune

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When planning a dinner party, look for simpler recipes that can be made in advance. After the tropical chicken skewer and vegetable spring roll appetizers, invite guests to join you at the table. A macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi bakes in the oven while its sauce waits warm on the stove. Place the sauce in a gravy bowl or small pitcher so guests can serve themselves at the table. Coconut rice will pair nicely on the side.

After dinner gather the guests back in your kitchen and let them caramelize the sugar on their very own Tahitian vanilla creme brulees! Take a look at these tempting tropical recipes, just read more

A few weeks ago in the Kitchen Goddess group on TeamSugar there was an interesting discussion of food related tips. Tchan01 is new to the culinary world and asked the goddess' for their fabulous secrets and helpful hints. Eaker pointed out that unwaxed, unflavored dental floss works perfectly to split a cake in two. According to her, it's much easier than sawing through it with a knife. It's an exceptional tip and keeping dental floss in the kitchen and not just the bathroom is a must do. Use the dental floss to tie up rolled meats instead of kitchen twine. I always forget to buy kitchen twine and when that happens, the floss certainly does come in handy!

How about you: Got another crafty use for floss in the kitchen?

Last Friday our very own peach-pie eating contest winner 7bits brought in a flat of super ripe peaches. At the end of the day there were eight peaches left and no one here to eat them. Instead of letting them go to waste, I decided to take them home and turn them into something tasty. I thought about making jam or ice cream, but really wanted something I could bring in to share with everyone. So after a quick search online I found a recipe that inspired me. Doesn't the name Ginger Peach Upside Down Cake inspire you too? To check out the recipe I used, read more